Prepositional phrases act as indirect objects in a sentence. Prepositions are
used to specify why, how, where, and when. Hence, a prepositional phrase
has a preposition and its object. A prepositional phrase can be a group of
words or a single word expressing an idea.
Examples:
Yesterday was the first day
of the month.
Last week, we met
in the auditorium.
Absolute phrases tell more about a circumstance or situation in the main
clause of a sentence. They are also known as nominative absolute because
they contain a noun and its modifiers. They can be placed at the beginning,
middle, or end of a sentence.
Examples:
The night beginning to turn cold, we made a fire to keep us warm.
The birds circled high above us,
their tiny frames sleek and brown against
the blue sky.
Common errors both students and professionals alike make when using
absolutes and prepositional phrases are explored below:
When describing a request, “for” should follow “ask.”
Incorrect: She
asked a drink.
Correct:
She
asked for a drink.
Don’t add “with” to “met” or “meet.”
Incorrect: I
met with your mom last month at a party.
Correct:
I
met your mom last month at a party.
“Insist” should be followed by “on,” and not “to.”
Incorrect:
My father insisted to seeing my report card.
Correct:
My father insisted
on seeing my report card.
Don’t fail to separate the absolute phrase with a comma.
Incorrect:
Weather permitting we shall meet tomorrow.
Correct:
Weather permitting, we shall meet tomorrow.
MCQs: Choose the appropriate options from the statements below:
The sun having ____, we set out on our journey. (A. rose B. risen)
Answer: B
He will insist ____ speaking with you. (A. on B. to)
Answer: A
Appositives
Appositives are nouns or pronouns that identify
or rename another noun or
pronoun in some certain ways. A typical appositive
phrase consists of an
appositive and its modifiers. An appositive phrase
can either be restrictive
(essential) or nonrestrictive (nonessential).
Examples:
Author
Oscar Wilde wrote several books over the course of his career.
William Shakespeare’s novel,
Macbeth, remains one of the best literary
works ever.
While writing and speaking, the following error is often committed when
using appositives:
Separate with commas where and when necessary.
Incorrect: Bruno
Fernandes a former Sporting Lisbon player has just
signed with Manchester United.
Correct:
Bruno
Fernandes, a former Sporting Lisbon player, has just
signed with Manchester United.
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